Pet Fever

While fever is most commonly noticed in dogs and cats, other animals—such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and birds—can also develop elevated body temperatures due to infection, inflammation, or environmental stress. Small animals may hide symptoms, making subtle signs like decreased appetite, hiding, or unusual behavior especially important to watch for.

At UrgentPaws, we provide care for a variety of small animals, ensuring every pet gets the timely attention they need. Our team is trained to handle the unique physiology of these pets and to reduce stress during examinations and treatment.

If your rabbit, guinea pig, or ferret seems lethargic or unusually warm, don’t wait, early care helps prevent serious complications.

Fever is usually a symptom rather than a disease itself. It signals that the body is fighting infection, inflammation, or another underlying condition. Causes of fever in pets include:

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can elevate body temperature.

Inflammation or immune reactions: Conditions like autoimmune disease or tissue injury can trigger fever.

Heat-related illness: Overheating or heatstroke can dangerously increase temperature.

Toxins or medications: Certain substances or drugs may cause fever as a side effect.

Other underlying illnesses: Diseases such as cancer or organ dysfunction may produce fever.

Some fevers are mild and self-limiting, while others indicate a more serious condition that can worsen quickly if untreated.

Because fever can indicate many different issues, the safest step is to have your pet examined promptly so treatment can begin right away.

Not every warm nose or brief shiver is an emergency, but certain signs require quick action. Bring your pet in promptly if you notice:

Persistent lethargy or weakness

Loss of appetite or refusal to drink water

Shivering, trembling, or excessive panting

Vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior

Warm or hot ears, paws, or body

Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing

Other subtle signs may include hiding, decreased activity, or irritability. Even mild behavioral changes can indicate that your pet is unwell.

Early evaluation can detect the underlying cause, relieve discomfort, and prevent serious complications.

Fever itself is not contagious, but the underlying cause sometimes is. For example, infections such as viral or bacterial illnesses may affect multiple pets in a household.

Maintain clean bedding and litter areas

Limit close contact if one pet is sick

Monitor all pets for symptoms of illness

While fever alone doesn’t spread, taking precautions can prevent infectious diseases from affecting other pets in your home.

While waiting for a vet visit, you can support your pet’s comfort by:

Providing fresh water and encouraging hydration

Keeping them in a cool, quiet environment

Monitoring temperature and behavior

Offering bland, easy-to-digest foods if they’ll eat

Avoid giving human medications, as many are toxic to pets. Supportive home care can reduce stress and discomfort but will not treat the underlying cause.

Professional evaluation is the only way to identify and safely address the cause of fever. Early care can prevent serious complications.

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of exams and testing:

Physical exam, including checking temperature and hydration

Blood tests to detect infection or organ issues

Urinalysis and cultures to identify infection sources

Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) if deeper illness is suspected

Specialized tests depending on suspected conditions

These tools allow our veterinarians to determine the cause of fever quickly, ensuring your pet receives effective treatment.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but the goal is always to restore comfort and resolve the condition. Possible treatments include:

Antibiotics or antifungals for infections

Fluids to treat dehydration or support recovery

Anti-inflammatory or pain medications

Hospitalization for severe cases, such as heatstroke or organ failure

Supportive care and monitoring for mild fevers caused by self-limiting infections

Some pets may require a combination of these treatments, along with follow-up care to ensure full recovery.

Timely veterinary care helps your pet recover faster, prevents worsening illness, and supports long-term health.

Fever can escalate quickly, especially if caused by infection or heat-related illness. If your pet becomes lethargic, struggles to breathe, or shows sudden behavior changes, treat it as urgent.

UrgentPaws is open evenings and weekends to provide care when symptoms worsen after hours. You don’t have to wait until morning for your pet to get the help they need.